Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the news, like your actions don’t matter? You’re not alone. The news seems so full of tragedy and uncertainty, both nationally and internationally, and it seems important to be informed but it’s easy to feel powerless. In working with one my clients and thinking about the year ahead (see https://annegaringcoaching.com/reflect-appreciate-create-design-your-best-year-yet/), she hit on the goal of “actively creating the world she wants to live in, where she is.” Most of us can’t control national and international affairs, but we do have influence over the sphere we live in—this place, this moment. This idea of “actively creating” feels inspiring.
Because we’ve both been so inspired by the idea of actively creating the world we want to live in, we have begun co-hosting a monthly Conversation Café on this topic (http://conversationcafe.org/). This involves inviting a bunch of people over for an hour and a half, breaking out into small groups, and sharing what we’ve done that month to create the world we want to live in. It is an opportunity to share with others what actions we are taking to shape our own experience. Because it is in-person, this event helps people connect as friends and community members. The discussion is broad and covers the deeply personal to the political (for example, one person shared that they avoided using their phone in public so that they would not appear “busy” and other people could see they were free to chat; another person shared that they were paying more attention to their buying habits and trying to shop local, etc.). No preparation is required, and it is empowering to hear what others are doing and join in. Conversation Cafes (or similar activities) connect us with us others and reinforce that we can positively impact our own and others’ lives, creating some positive space in an uncertain world.
Last month we wrote about Finding Your North Star in a Turbulent World (https://annegaringcoaching.com/finding-your-north-star-in-a-turbulent-world/) and this is an example of that: taking a small action that aligns with our values (hosting the Conversation Café), connecting with people who inspire us, and hearing from others about new possibilities that we can implement in our own lives.
We all are creating the world we want to live in, whether intentionally or not. More closely connecting our values to our thoughts and behaviors is empowering and is a great ‘foil’ to a world that feels increasingly chaotic. Values alignment is a great topic when working with a coach, as is feeling some control over chaos! Contact me if you have questions about working with a coach, or the Conversation Café described above.
©Anne Garing, PhD & Peg Hunt, MS